We see it again and again over the years. From big names like Hennessey to new ventures like Dime Racing high end car tuning attracts some very shady individuals.
It seems we can add CFI Designs and Kyle Pekovitch to the list.
CFI Designs is hardly a big name tuner but their work caught our attention. On social media they have some beautiful work posted and that is the point of their social media account after all. It is designed to get attention and drum up business so only the best things will be posted.
Well, CFI Designs got the attention of a guy in Dubai with a Gallardo Superleggera. He is now $60k in the hole without his car:
Back in 2015 I wanted a Twin Turbo conversion for my 08 superleggera. After speaking to many vendors and being referred to Kyle at CFI Designs I decided to go ahead with him. I’m based in the Middle East to make matters more interesting. My build sheet came to $109k, I initially paid $20k as a deposit with the rest to follow as and when. I paid another $40k in 2016. At this point it’s worth noting that no work had Been carried out.
Late 2016 into mid 2017 I had issues with my own business which prevented me moving forward with the build.
I spoke to Kyle and explained this to him and he said he would try to find someone to take over my build, I said ok. At least that way I could recoup my initial payment or even the majority of it. Nothing happened.
I posted an ad in the parts section on here to see if anyone would take it over. Kyle requested that I take the ad down to which I did.
Now into 2018 things are looking slightly more positive or so I thought.
I’m $60k into the pocket of CFI//Kyle and no further forward. This is where it gets worse; financially for now I can’t go any further forward with my project.
Also I have a friend who needs an engine for his TT gallardo after blowing his up. We contacted Kyle numerous times after he said it would be no problem to use part of the $60k I’d already paid towards an engine for my friend.
At least then I can get some cash back and when I can, continue my project with the remainder balance.
This was the idea.
Now Kyle doesn’t communicate or reply to any calls, messages or emails. Both myself and my friend have called and messaged him many times. If we are lucky enough to reach him he says that he will email us and nothing ever comes.
I’m still hopeful that something can be worked out.
On a side note I think the work he actually does is great and I can’t fault what I’ve seen....at least from photos.
Now would you just write off $60k?
Late 2016 into mid 2017 I had issues with my own business which prevented me moving forward with the build.
I spoke to Kyle and explained this to him and he said he would try to find someone to take over my build, I said ok. At least that way I could recoup my initial payment or even the majority of it. Nothing happened.
I posted an ad in the parts section on here to see if anyone would take it over. Kyle requested that I take the ad down to which I did.
Now into 2018 things are looking slightly more positive or so I thought.
I’m $60k into the pocket of CFI//Kyle and no further forward. This is where it gets worse; financially for now I can’t go any further forward with my project.
Also I have a friend who needs an engine for his TT gallardo after blowing his up. We contacted Kyle numerous times after he said it would be no problem to use part of the $60k I’d already paid towards an engine for my friend.
At least then I can get some cash back and when I can, continue my project with the remainder balance.
This was the idea.
Now Kyle doesn’t communicate or reply to any calls, messages or emails. Both myself and my friend have called and messaged him many times. If we are lucky enough to reach him he says that he will email us and nothing ever comes.
I’m still hopeful that something can be worked out.
On a side note I think the work he actually does is great and I can’t fault what I’ve seen....at least from photos.
Now would you just write off $60k?
This gentleman posted his story to Ripoffreport.com and it seems his situation remains as last reported: https://www.ripoffreport.com/reports...-pecar-1447228
Unfortunately, the bad CFI Designs stories do not end there.
Here's a whopper:
Originally Posted by boom_td1
A similar story of taking money and not doing anything. Fortunately, at least this guy got his car back.
Isolated incidents you say? What about this?
Originally Posted by r8.lms
Here is one of our forum members @flsupraguy saying he had a great experience with CFI only for someone to say his car was driven around as well without permission:
Originally Posted by HustlerX5
To make things worse CFI Designs is not even licensed for automobile work or repairs in California and BoostAddict can not find any license at all for CFI Designs. The BBB lists their business as 'Auto Boosting Service' which is not an official business type.
To be fair, there are zero BBB complaints but expect that to change:
Is that it? Nope, how about random people driving YOUR CAR and recording themselves damaging it?
Word is even spreading to Yelp:
Plus Google reviews:
Now, it is obvious why this is being brought to your attention. Does CFI Designs show off some cool looking work? Sure. Should you trust them with your car? Absolutely not.
People like this just keep on going without even any consideration for those they have wronged. We see all too often in this industry.
There are too many reputable tuners out there to even bother with CFI Designs after this small sample of what is publicly posted.
As always, buyer beware.
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